hyped garbage

Brilliant and touching

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

This review mentions plot points that are on the back of the DVD cover. Some people might consider them spoilers. Three Thai teens share a NY apartment. It is New Year's Eve and they need a pick me up. They managed to hook up with a dealer who makes house calls, but Mr. Jesus turns this into a home break-in style film. This aspect of the film is basically a "B" 3 star film. I appreciated the film more once it was over.Good thriller.Guide: F-bomb. Brief sex. No nudity. Unusual Buddhist theme. Killing, blood.

The acting in the movie was great. Without giving out too much of the story itself, I found myself waiting more of an explanation of what had happened at the end of the movie. Like, who was this Jesus character and how did he know so much? There are just a few important and unanswered questions that I had at the end. Overall though, I think it still worth a watch. If not for the story, then perhaps for the lessons that I think it was trying to dish out. I've only seen a few Thai movies in my days, but this is certainly one of the better ones. The storyline shown here on IMDb states that these are three teenagers but I think they are really early 20s based on the details of the characters. I don't recall watching David Asavanond, but his performance was very good in this movie. I might start following him now.

I saw Countdown recently after it was recommended on a foreign movie Oscar board and I think the movie may leave you quite divided. The first act is brilliant. Fun, tense, interesting characters, it all works well for the set up of 3 Thai college students in New York for the New Year's celebration. They order drugs and find Jesus, played by David Asavanod, at the door eager to sell, hangout and generally freak out everyone in the apartment. It is referenced in the movie a couple of times but he is the literal Tsunami actor. An absolute animal. Charismatic, powerful, scary, funny. David completely owns this role and will hook anyone into his frightening portrayal of a fringe drug dealer with a score to settle. Without giving too much away, Jesus has his reasons for being there and they aren't just to sell drugs. When he goes from fluent English to fluent Thai without missing a beat and completely selling it - I was slackjawed. Despite David's amazing and convincing performance the film itself goes a bit off the rails at the halfway point. And rushing to a tidy conclusion it leaves you wanting in the end. However, watch it. Asavanod IS the next big thing. He will get bigger parts, he will be major player. I watch a ton of movies, foreign and domestic, and this is the guy - believe it! Maddis 7/10

Rarely does a film of limited location keep an audience enthralled. This movie for David Asavanond (Jesus - "hey-sus genius") as the lead, is his true break out film. I worked with David in 2004 on Tom Yum Goong with Tony Jaa and again 2005 in Shadow Island and to say he has come of age is what I believe is a man with exceptional talent. He followed his craft - went to the US and was trained by the best in NY. It's his time.The storyline is interesting - a group of university kids who wish to experience drugs as the new year countdown is upon them. What follows drags the viewer into the room with Jesus and thankfully leaves you just out of range. Thoroughly recommend this film and watch as David and his co actors Jarinporn Joonkiat, Pattarasaya Kreuasuwansri and Pachara Chirathivat are taken for the ride of their life.